Feisol 3441T Head recommendation?

Hi all,
Beginning my research, I was leaning towards the 055xprob with a 488rc2/498rc2 setup. I then started looking at the Gitzo 1514t, but now I am pretty much settled on the Feisol 3441t as I am 6' and want a tripod I can pack up and take on a plane/long hikes. This seems to be the only option for what I was looking for. However for the head, seems like there are too many options.

Current setup:
7D, 28-135, 70-200 f/2.8 II, Sigma 150-500 OS

Currently like to take pictures of wildlife/birds, landscape, and my corgi.

Options researched so far:
PC 36/40ns
Markins Q3t
Acratech GPs

Haven't researched as heavily, RRS BH-55.

The Acratech GPs really intrigues me with the panoramic option, gimbal, and weight. What other items do I need to take into account when deciding on my purchase? Will I need a L plate? Will a RRS L plate work with the Acratech clamps? Should I just get the body QR plate from Acratech if I go the GPs route? Will I also need to get the 2" and 4" lens plates for my heavier lenses as well?

Or maybe the Q3t and/or photo clams would be sufficient for my needs?

The base diameter of the BH-55 seems huge as well as almost weighing twice as much as the GP-s.

Thoughts/comments?

great choice on the pod...try this for your birding... FEISOL UA-180 Carbon U-Mount

bfleck51 wrote in post #11733654
great choice on the pod...try this for your birding... FEISOL UA-180 Carbon U-Mount

I was trying to avoid the full Gimbal setups ala Manfrotto 393, Wimberley Sidekick/II, etc. for portability, which is why the 'gimbal' feature of the GP-s is so appealing. I figure it can be a stopgap until I get a full gimbal setup sometime in the more distant future.

LuLuTheMonk wrote in post #11733943
I was trying to avoid the full Gimbal setups ala Manfrotto 393, Wimberley Sidekick/II, etc. for portability, which is why the 'gimbal' feature of the GP-s is so appealing. I figure it can be a stopgap until I get a full gimbal setup sometime in the more distant future.

post a link...I would like to see it!

http://acratech.net …productid=76&ca​t=1&page=1

Video Around 1:08 you can see the gimbal action.

A review for you.

tvphotog wrote in post #11736770
A review for you.

I read the entire thread, which is how I came to settle on the 3441t. Thank you for the very thorough and informative review. For "only" a hundred more for the GP-s, you get the panoramic head, and gimbal feature. Somehow I started out from a $100ish (498rc2) head to now looking at a $500ish option (GP-s + QR plates + L plate?)

LuLuTheMonk wrote in post #11737448
I read the entire thread, which is how I came to settle on the 3441t. Thank you for the very thorough and informative review. For "only" a hundred more for the GP-s, you get the panoramic head, and gimbal feature. Somehow I started out from a $100ish (498rc2) head to now looking at a $500ish option (GP-s + QR plates + L plate?)

I see. That GP-S is a very cool head. Depends how much you'll use the gimbal feature, but if you do, I would go with that. However, it makes the tripod less stable because the weight is not over the center of the tripod. I would like to hear from other members how the Markins operates with the pano dial loose and the friction knob loose to give you the feel of a gimbal. I've never tried it.

I would also check www.fredmiranda.com, as there are several comments that this head is not the equal of Markins, RRS, etc.

Do you happen to know the overall body width of the Q3T II? I want to see how it compares to the GP-s at 80mm and how that might affect how the legs close.

Thanks.

LuLuTheMonk wrote in post #11751064
Do you happen to know the overall body width of the Q3T II? I want to see how it compares to the GP-s at 80mm and how that might affect how the legs close.

Thanks.

The width of the largest circular part, the panning base, is 50mm. I believe it's considerably smaller than the widest diameter of the GP-S.